"Our inquiry shows that, if credible and stable climate policy can be established now, businesses, households and consumers will be better able to plan for change and manage the risks of moving to a low-emissions economy."

The commission has also called for more resources for New Zealand to make the shift, regulation and policies such as a "feebate" scheme for imported vehicles, and a new institutional framework to support them.

The strategy it outlines generally involves replacing fossil fuels with clean electricity, and a major change to land use favouring large-scale new forestry plantation and significant growth in horticulture.

In the longer term, the commission says new technologies that emerge in response to higher emissions costs would offer more options.

"While the challenges of achieving a low-emissions economy are large, the scale of change involved in the transition is comparable to transitions that have occurred before in New Zealand, and within the scale of transitions faced in other developed countries," Sherwin said.

"New Zealand can reach its low emissions targets if it has the right institutions and policy settings in place, and the journey is embarked upon without delay."

Climate Change Minister James Shaw said some of the recommendations were already part of the Government's work programme.

Those included its proposed Zero Carbon Act, which aimed to reach a net zero emissions goal by 2050; setting up a new Climate Change Commission, and looking at options disclosure of climate-related financial risks.

"As the Productivity Commission points out, this transition to a low-emissions economy will require major changes but New Zealand can achieve those changes and reap the rewards."

Massey University sustainable energy lecturer Professor Ralph Sims said the challenge for the Government would be remaining bold on the issue, at a time many industries and businesses had yet to come to terms with what a low-emissions future meant.

"The recent furore over the Government's statement that no more permits for offshore oil and gas exploration will be issued is but one example," Sims said.

"Yet we have no choice but to transition away from all fossil fuels starting from now. We will have to reduce not just carbon dioxide but all greenhouse gas emissions.

"We will not be alone but will be working alongside the vast majority of countries in aiming to reach near net zero emissions in around just 30 years time in order to keep the climate of our planet from becoming untenable."

Professor Shaun Hendy, an innovation commentator and director of University of Auckland-based Te Punaha Matatini, said New Zealand would need to be a fast adopter of green technologies if our high-emissions economy was to remain competitive - and it otherwise risked missing out.

"Sitting on the sidelines is not an option."

The draft report is open for feedback until June 8, when the Government is due to consult on its zero carbon legislation.